"But unfortunately to get universal recognition for your efforts, you need to do something concrete, which as a forward is scoring goals, or assisting goals.

"In that area, he has not been able to do it, so it was great the other night for him to get a goal to show for it."

Hodgson has ensured supporters that his staff do their utmost to support the player, but understands that Ayew must find the net on a more regular basis for fans to appreciate his talents.

"We, as the coaching staff, have tried to encourage him as much as possible, and we try to shield him from outside criticism.

"But for him, he wants pats on the back from everyone and it will only come when the goals come, or the assists come, that is a fact of life.

"It doesn't matter how much you try as a coach to encourage and protect them and be positive towards them, the simple fact of life is that until they can see the tangible rewards for their efforts and the recognition for it, they are just words."

Well... all those Crystal Palace fans who were abusing Roy Hodgson and Jordan Ayew seem to have disappeared in their numbers 😂😂